Nigerian poses as UN ambassador, dupes businessman of Rs 36 lakh

Crime branch sleuths have arrested a Nigerian national who duped a Delhi businessman to the tune of Rs 36 lakh while claiming that he was a United Nations (UN) ambassador.

According to the police, the complainant (name withheld), who runs businesses in Japan and Delhi, recently met Godwin Yumkelia Devis, who had a unique proposal for him, in Delhi.

"Devis told the victim that he had bogus US currency worth Rs 15 crore with him that has been stamped. He said he knew of a special chemical which can remove the stamp impression from the notes, after which they can be re-used. The chemical costs around Rs 80 lakh and can be exported from Israel. The victim fell into the trap and agreed to pay Devis for the chemical," said a crime branch officer.

The businessman paid Devis Rs 36 lakh in a series of installments. After taking the money, Devis fled from Delhi. When the businessman discovered that he had been duped, he lodged a complaint with Dwarka police station in Delhi. The Delhi police then got a tip-off that Devis was hiding in Malwani area of Malad. They then informed their Mumbai counterparts and got Devis arrested last week.

"Devis has been handed over to the Delhi police. He had earlier been arrested in a drug-related case and got out on bail," said a police officer.